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WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Green Car Journal has announced its five finalists for the prestigious 2016 Green SUV of the Year™ award to be presented at the 2016 Washington Auto Show. Finalists include the BMW X1 xDrive28i, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-3, and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

"After years of focus on building more efficient and environmentally positive sedans and hatchbacks, a growing emphasis is now being placed on SUVs and crossover vehicles, one of the hottest segments in the auto market," said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal and CarsOfChange.com. "The Green SUV of the Year™ award recognizes this achievement."

The Finalists:

BMW X1 XDRIVE28i
The all-new, second generation BMW X1 xDrive28i is a premium compact crossover featuring new powertrain and chassis technology that promises the driving experience expected of a BMW. Power is delivered by a 228 horsepower, 2.0-liter EfficientDynamics engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, providing the X1 xDrive28i an EPA estimated 32 highway mpg.

HONDA HR-V
Honda's new HR-V crossover blends the functionality of an SUV with the sporty styling of a coupe. Built on the Fit platform but with a longer wheelbase and larger exterior dimensions, it's powered by a 141 horsepower, 1.8-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine offering up to 35 highway mpg. Like the Fit, it features Honda's fold-flat second row "Magic Seat' for interior versatility.

HYUNDAI TUCSON
The stylish new Hyundai Tucson is longer, wider, and offers greater interior volume than the model that preceded it, yet it also achieves better fuel efficiency. It's powered by either a 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a new turbocharged 1.6-liter four, with the latter producing 175 horsepower and achieving up to 33 highway mpg in the Tucson Eco model.

MAZDA CX-3
Mazda's all-new CX-3 crossover features smart styling and benefits from this automaker's full range of efficiency-focused SKYACTIV technologies. It's available in both front- and all-wheel drive. The CX-3 is comfortable, capable, and responsive, getting its power from a 146 horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that achieves up to 35 highway mpg.

TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID
The Toyota RAV4 expands its offerings this year with a new all-wheel drive hybrid model. It's powered by a 154 horsepower, 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with electric motors front and rear. This combination provides more power than the standard RAV4 plus increased efficiency, with EPA estimates of 34/31 city/highway mpg and 33 mpg combined.

The Green SUV of the Year™ winner will be honored along with winning vehicles for the magazine's 2016 Luxury Green Car of the Year™ and 2016 Connected Green Car of the Year™ awards at a press conference during the Washington Auto Show's Policy Days on January 21, 2016. The BMW i8 won the 2015 Luxury Green Car of the Year™ award last year while the Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel earned top honors as the 2015 Green SUV of the Year™. The all-new 2016 Connected Green Car of the Year™ award recognizes the vehicle that best integrates the advantages of connected technologies with environmental performance.

"As the central address where the auto industry meets public policy, The Washington Auto Show recognizes the critical role of sustainability and our role in promoting progress," said Geoff Pohanka, chairman, The Washington Auto Show, washingtonautoshow.com.  "Partnering with Green Car Journal galvanizes those issues front and center."

About Green Car Journal
The award-winning Green Car Journal has focused on the intersection of automobiles, energy, and environment since its launch in 1992. As part of its mission, the magazine hosts events, produces ride-and-drives of advanced and clean fuel vehicles, and conducts various outreach efforts to educate consumers on better and more environmentally positive vehicle choices. The magazine's content is featured online at www.CarsOfChange.com.

About WANADA and the Washington Auto Show
Produced by the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANADA), The Washington Auto Show provides an opportunity to explore the latest cars, technologies, and innovations in safety and sustainability, from clean diesel to biofuels and electric vehicles. For more information on the 2016 Washington Auto Show see www.washingtonautoshow.com.

SOURCE The Washington Auto Show